Choosing Your Wedding Photographer

The best photos are made when a wedding couple and wedding photographer plan together as a team. Of course, when couples hire professional wedding photographers, they trust that their photographer will produce a perfect photo album. However, it helps when the bride and groom know what they want and actively participate in the planning process.

Choosing a Wedding Photography Style

Not all wedding albums are the same. Pictures may be posed for in a traditional way, as in parents’ or grandparents’ marriage albums, or reflect newer techniques. A traditional album consists of posed portraits, group shots; and snaps of significant moments, such as the groom placing the ring on the bride’s finger. A contemporary album reflects a photojournalistic approach, seeking to tell a story with natural, spontaneous shots taken throughout the day. Some couples choose a combination of styles, asking for both portraits and spontaneous shots.

Even posed photos vary in style. Ask your wedding photographer for samples of previous work and take note of styles that you prefer. For example, group shots may show people in rows, as in a class picture. Alternatively, a group may pose in clusters or lounge casually in different positions. A contemporary approach to making portraits works particularly well with interesting backdrops, such as a garden or a well-appointed drawing room.

Some couples opt for black and white pictures, still in demand for their classic beauty and exquisite contrasts.  Not every wedding photographer will have the required skill, as black and white photography employs specific lighting techniques.  This type of photography is a specialty that should be backed up by a good black and white portfolio.

Making a Photography Plan

A photography plan is a list of people, events, and settings to be captured in posed or spontaneous shots.   It doesn’t need to be a rigid plan, especially for journalistic shots, but helps the photographer to know what you expect.  It also can be given to members of the wedding party, to let them know when they will be needed for picture-taking.

Create a draft plan, and then bring the photographer to the ceremony and reception venues to review the logistics.  Being on site in advance helps a wedding photographer to prepare and make creative suggestions.

Experienced wedding photographers are familiar with traditional protocols, but it helps if a couple reflects about their choices in advance.  Following are traditional wedding party groupings for posed pictures: 

• Bride and groom,
• Bride and groom with bride’s parents,
• Newly weds with groom’s parents,
• Bride and groom with both sets of parents,
• Newly weds with parents and grandparents,
• Bride and groom with bride’s extended family,
• Newly weds with groom’s extended family,
• Bride  with bridesmaids,
• Groom with groomsmen, and
• Newly weds with bridesmaids and groomsmen.

Add or subtract groupings to make your own list.  Consider if there are other guests who you definitely want to capture in photos—they can be listed for posed shots or spontaneous pictures.

Think of wedding day locations and events that offer photo opportunities.  Once again, the photographer may help with this, but an active customer gets the best shots.  Here are possible photo settings and events:

• Home of the bride as she prepares on the wedding day,
• Home of the groom as he gets ready before the ceremony,
• Wedding ceremony venue—views of the setting and decorations,
• Arrival of guests at the ceremony,
• Wedding party going up the aisle,
• Exchange of rings,
• Wedding car leaving wedding venue,
• Reception venue’s features and decorations,
• Receiving line,
• Head table,
• Speeches and toasts,
• Cutting the cake,
• First dance,
• Departing for the honeymoon.

Make your own list based on key events and special features of your venues.  For example, if there will be an archway of roses at the reception entrance, be sure to ask for a picture under the archway—or if the venue has a stunning garden, arrange for posed shots there.

A contract with a wedding photographer should reflect your expectations as much as possible.  The price will be based on the style of album, print sizes; and an estimate of number of shots, number of finished prints, and time required.  Making a list of requested photos, people, events, and settings will promote a realistic estimate.  Ensure that the estimate allows for more shots than needed, as there may be a few shots that will not go into the album.  Your preparation will ensure a wonderful photo collection, providing lasting memories for close family and friends for years to come.